RISING DAMP

Damp can come from any direction and moisture that comes from the ground is called rising damp. All buildings in the UK should have a Damp Proof Course (DPC) fitted close to the ground level which forms a barrier that ground moisture cannot penetrate. Older London homes would typically have a bitumen strip inserted between brickwork courses at ground level and should that membrane be damaged in any way, moisture can rise up the walls with a capillary action. Rising damp can cause significant damage to timber, plaster and render, especially if not addressed in a timely manner.

Penetrating damp is often mistaken for rising damp and that can lead to unnecessary treatments that make the problem worse; rising damp can become a health hazard that leads to black mould.

If you suspect rising damp might be present in your London home, call London Damp Specialists on 020 8945 5547 or complete the form on this website.

Signs of Rising Damp

The tell-tale signs of rising damp include the following;

• Peeling wallpaper – Moisture compromises the adhesive on wallpaper and should you notice wallpaper peeling away from the wall, you need to contact London Damp Specialists to arrange for one of our certified surveyors to inspect the property.
• Bubbling paint – Paint, especially emulsion, tends to bubble or flake when damp is present; small bubbles can appear, so check skirting boards and window frames, as this is a sure sign that moisture has penetrated the interior.
• Dry cracks in plaster – Known in the trade as blown plaster, the material splits and falls away from the wall, if damp is present, plaster might crumble, so be vigilant with your inspections. We offer an independent survey by a certified damp surveyor and should we see signs of rising damp damage, we investigate and pinpoint the origin. While we only provide surveys and reports, we do have a close working relationship with the best damp-proofing contractor in London.
• Musky odour in the house – High humidity and lack of ventilation provide the perfect environment for mould and mildew to thrive, which creates a stale, musky smell. If you notice this, it is time to book an independent damp survey in London from a leading contractor with many years of hands-on experience in identifying sources of moisture within London homes.

It is essential to have a property surveyed for damp if you are going to make an offer and if you are selling your London home, an independent damp survey report showing a green light will help the sale.

Causes of Rising Damp

Ground moisture will be absorbed by building materials, with capillary action drawing the moisture upwards and inwards; there are many ‘wet’ areas in our capital where rising damp is a real issue.

Bricks are porous by design and this makes for a target for ground moisture; every building should have a DPC installed at ground level to prevent moisture passing this barrier and rising up the walls. Old age or ground movement can cause DPC to become damaged and damp will shortly follow. The sooner you detect rising damp, the better, which is why you should book an independent damp survey from a company that leads the way regarding damp inspections.

A flood would certainly cause rising damp, even for a short while, if the water level exceeds the DPC, rising damp sets in. You would be surprised at how fast moisture can travel through render, bricks and plaster.

Excavating near the building can easily cause DPC membrane to tear and by the time you see the signs, a lot of damage has occurred. It is not uncommon to find a row of terraced houses that all suffer from a single DPC separation, if the ground is wet, the damp continues to spread. Regular independent damp surveys in London give homeowners peace of mind, if you are wondering how to find an independent damp surveyor near me, we cover every London Borough and you receive a detailed report within 24 hours.

Range of Rising Damp Solutions

Damp-proofing demands sourcing the origins of moisture; if damp is rising up the walls, it is rising damp, however, if the moisture is coming from the exterior, this is known as penetrating damp, which requires different treatment than rising damp.

Inadequate solutions

Some London homeowners think spreading a waterproof cement coating on the affected wall and replastering is what’s required, however, this will not stop moisture rising from the ground. It is imperative to know the source of moisture before making a recommendation, damp-proofing in London comes in many forms and the wrong treatment would be an expensive mistake.

Damp Proof Course

The cause of rising damp could be something as simple as leaving a porous object next to a wall, which can transfer the moisture below the DPC, giving it a pathway to the building and rising damp occurs. Building a patio could cause the DPC membrane to tear and if that happens, ground moisture creeps up the walls; the solution is to repair the DPC or inject a foam DPC into a cavity wall. Building a small structure onto the main house will lead to rising damp if DPC is not used, with moisture rising up the main structure. In some cases, the best solution is to raise the level of the DPC, which might mean using injectable foam that prevents moisture penetration; this is often recommended in older terraced properties in London.

Adjoining Properties

If you live in a terraced or semi-detached house, damp might be coming from an adjoining property, a small holding wall could be all it takes to bridge a DPC and allow moisture to run riot. Our damp specialist would provide you with a detailed report, citing the origin of the moisture, while we also provide a quote for remedial work. We have a close relationship with some of the best damp-proofing outfits in London.

Dealing with Rising Damp Damage

Interior plaster crumbles when moisture is present and that usually means removing the damaged plaster and replastering with a waterproof product. Remedial work should not be carried out until the source of the moisture has been repaired; our surveyor advises the customer on the best course of action and can facilitate communication with a trusted damp-proofing specialist in London.

Timber & Plaster Damage

Rising damp can seriously damage timber door and window frames, leading to the formation of mould and mildew. The type of paint you use has an impact on further instances of damp; using a waterproof paint would create a barrier; allow it to dry thoroughly before adding more coats of paint. The best solution might be to remove all plaster from a wall, prepare the substrate, then apply a waterproof cement coat, which is followed by a skim of plaster. When the wall is completely dry, you can paint or wallpaper.

Rising Damp: Prevention Strategies

The core of rising damp prevention lies with the DPC; in older London homes, this would be a thick layer of bitumen strip, which is put between the first couple of brick courses. This can degrade over many years, especially in wet areas with a low water table; if the ground moves, the DPC membrane can split and damp has a path to the building. Booking our independent damp survey will pinpoint the origin of the dampness, then we can recommend a solution, which might be a new DPC, or simply repairing a single point. Unless you have extensive building knowledge, you should call in an independent damp survey specialist in London; only then can you make an informed decision.

Effective Rising Damp Treatments

These might include the following:

• Plaster removal & substrate preparation
• Injecting a chemical DPC
• Adding salt neutraliser
• Waterproof render
• Replastering with waterproof cement
• Final skim plaster

Rising Damp is a Real Threat to London Homes

If you are looking to acquire a home in London, make sure you contact London Damp Specialists on 020 8945 5547  or complete the form at the bottom of this page.